Look at other dictionaries:

goodness — goodness, virtue, rectitude, morality are comparable and very general terms denoting moral excellence. Goodness is the broadest of these terms; it suggests an excellence so deeply established that it is often felt as inherent or innate rather… … New Dictionary of Synonyms

Goodness — Good ness, n. [AS. g[=o]dnes.] The quality of being good in any of its various senses; excellence; virtue; kindness; benevolence; as, the goodness of timber, of a soil, of food; goodness of character, of disposition, of conduct, etc. [1913… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

goodness — O.E. godnes goodness, virtue, kindliness; see GOOD (Cf. good) (adj.) + NESS (Cf. ness). In exclamations from 1610s, first recorded being for goodnesse sake, i.e. as you trust in the goodness of God … Etymology dictionary

goodness — [good′nis] n. [ME goodnesse &LT; OE godnes] 1. the state or quality of being good; specif., a) virtue; excellence b) kindness; generosity; benevolence 2. the best part, essence, or valuable element of a thing interj. used to express surprise or… … English World dictionary

goodness — good|ness1 [ gudnəs ] interjection * used for showing that you are surprised: Goodness, is it time to go already? goodness me: Goodness me! You ve grown! goodness gracious (me): Goodness gracious me! What do you mean? my goodness (me): My… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

goodness — I UK [ˈɡʊdnəs] / US interjection ** used for showing that you are surprised Goodness, is it that time already? goodness me: Goodness me! You ve grown! goodness gracious (me): Goodness gracious me! What do you mean? my goodness (me): My goodness,… … English dictionary